7 key features only found on the NordicTrack bikes not on Peloton

Peloton now cost less than a Nordictrack S22i Studio Cycle but has fewer features with a significantly different approach to the workout experience and content.

This article covers key differences between the Original Peloton Bike and the latest NordicTrack S22i (including the later S27i and the 2025, New X24 Bike) We also touch on additional options with the Peloton Bike+ model, which sells at a higher price point, approximately $1000 more.

RECENT NORDICTRACK UPDATES:

Enhancements Summary / Update to the latest NordicTrack S22i & S27i Studio Bikes and X24 Bike generations.

• The S22i bike console was redesigned with two forward-facing, 30-Watt speakers for a fuller sound. An upgraded touchscreen with improved graphics and a more powerful processor, so it's faster and more responsive.

• WiFi connectivity is improved now much faster and very reliable.

• Bluetooth 5.0 improved support for headphones and heart rate devices.

• iFit instructors' live control for hill incline, declines, and resistance all improved and are now referred to as AutoAdjust.

• The incline/decline motor is much quieter, quicker, and more accurate.

• The phone holder between the weights now ships standard. For S27i Studio Cycle, dumbbell weights are placed behind the bike's saddle like Peloton.

• Improved Stability when power-riding out of the saddle

• The latest S22i, X24 Bike and S27i Studio bike models ship with Dual-Sided Pedals on one side for cycling shoes with SPD cleats and a toe cage for riders who prefer to ride with regular sneakers on the other side. You can easily upgrade/swap out pedals if you wish — see pedals and shoes recommended in the S22i FAQs article.

MAIN DIFFERENCES OVER PELOTON

1. The S22i bike has a +20% incline & -10% decline

To experience a more realistic road or trail-like simulation. iFIT trainers can dynamically adjust cadence(speed) and resistance as you cycle along. This feature, referred to as SmartAdjust, allows you to focus on your ride and not worry about making any adjustments to sync with trainer cues.

All Nordictrack exercise bike models, including the S27i and later 2025 X24 Bike, can incline and decline to match the terrain on a trail, road, or mountain ride, – Realtime Trainer Coaching. With a simple touch on the screen or handlebar buttons you can make your own changes, you can always opt out, then rejoin the-trainer workout later.

If the current rides’ incline/resistance is proving too easy or too difficult you can make a change, which will then be preserved for the rest of the session, but you still remain in AutoAdjust mode.

Not a Gimmick

We totally enjoyed using the incline feature, you really feel the climb or decent as if on you’re climbing an actual hill. The elevation incline feature is not a fancy gimmick, it gets your heart pumping in or out of the saddle, builds strength, stamina, and yes, your quads and calves will burn at first, but then you are rewarded with the downhill, which is super cool, the speed increases and the resistance fades, as you speed past taking the lead from your trainer. The review team agreed this alone is an exceptional standout option of the Nordictrack S22i, S27i and X24 bikes.

2. Nordictrack S22i has trainer-led destination rides

Besides on-demand studio classes, you can ride with actual champion cyclists who curate, coach and guide you through mountain paths, trails, and exciting road races with a huge selection of outside trainer-led destination rides – your choice. (checkout short video below)

iFit trainers are outstanding and dedicated to helping you hit your goals. They are a world-class group of selected athletic professionals chosen from across the globe. iFit Trainer-led rides can be on the trail, in the studio, and on the road plus include cross-training workouts off-the-bike.

3. Touchscreen Full Rotates 360° degrees

We found this to be a practical option if you hop off your bike for floor exercises without straining to keep your eye on your trainer. A useful feature overlooked by the original Peloton Bike but was added to the Peloton Bike+ where you can swivel and pivot the touchscreen for a better viewing angle. Peloton originally stated the swivel can be 180° degrees left or right, but we were able to swivel the full 360°. Speaking of practical options, one that came out this year on the S22i Studio Cycle is a redesign of the weights-holder that now provides a handy spot to place your phone and things. See below.

NOTE: S27i Bike Model. If you are considering the Nordictrack S27i you will notice that the weights are placed behind the saddle and not in front as with the S22i and X24 bikes, the S27i touchscreen is 5 inches wider at 27 inches.

4. iFIT trainers can change resistance & speed

For true interactive training AutoAdjust– this standard feature on Nordictrack Studio Bikes (including the X24 Bike) leaves you totally free to focus on your workout or the ride! Trainer-led classes allow for the instructor to digitally sync and adjust your resistance, and cadence so you don’t have to worry or even think about it. Peloton Bike riders recently stated this option was one of the top items requested on their wish list. The Peloton Bike+ now offers an auto-follow feature where trainers can change resistance but, you will pay over $600+ more than for a Nordictrack S22i bike.

SMART-ADJUST

Adding to iFIT’s hi-tech integration with the Nordictrack Exercise Bikes is the new released SmartAdjust feature. For instance, if you’re finding a segment of a ride a little difficult or too easy you can make your own resistance adjustment, and iFIT will apply this change across the entire session while remembering the percentage change for future training. As you become stronger and fitter, iFIT SmartAdjust will start to take this into account and increase resistance over time — you always have the option to disable SmartAdjust anytime. You will need version 2.6.70 of iFit or later to use it. (iFIT will prompt you to update at the end of a ride)

5. One-touch resistance controls on handlebars

The Nordictrack S22i has provided easy access on both handlebars to make changes to resistance or inclines. The one touch controls are much more precise than turning a knob. Another often overlooked on all Nordictrack exercise bike feature, that riders love, is the auto-breeze fan – nicely tucked beneath the display it can be set to adjust automatically to your workout intensity to keep you from overheating.

As a note Peloton also charges for the pair of weights which are included with your S22i Studio Cycle. The Weights can be used in trainer-led cross-training class segments on and off-the-bike.

6. iFIT Enabled and Workout Content

COST

While the monthly cost is comparable with Peloton, iFIT is $5 to $11 less per month. NordicTrack gives you an option to pay $39/month or if you pay in full, the cost comes to $33/month – you save $72. Peloton costs $44 per month for Peloton All Access, that is $528 per year. vs. $396 nearly just $1 per day. iFIT also offers discounts to members for renewals throughout the year and provides special pricing for purchasing multiple years at once.

WORKOUT CONTENT

The content of the workout classes is not the same. In our opinion, iFIT is the special ingredient that makes the S22i and X27i Studio Cycle, and X24 Bike stand out from the pack, and not just Peloton. First, the trainer-led content and variety are excellent, both in the studio but especially in real world outside locations across the globe. These trainer-led destination rides are streamed directly to your bike's touchscreen. You will find many excellent trainers and challenges to experience and will not become bored. This is a major content and training difference compared with Peloton, where the majority of workouts experienced are only in a studio setting.

NordicTrack is committed to expanding iFIT interactive training. The huge library offers one of the best ranges of bike-riding workouts to keep you challenged, with new sessions added regularly. There are also monthly and progressive challenge series with rewards for reaching milestones! Technically, iFit is constantly adding new features and app updates regularly that are tightly integrated with the bike, like SmartAdjust and App connectivity to improve your exercise experience.

7. S22i Bike warranty is superior to Peloton

Nordictrack S22i warranty offers 10 years on the frame, 2-year parts (includes screen) and 1 year labor. Whereas Peloton offers 5 years on its frame, 1 year on the screen, parts and labor.

Newly released is the NordicTrack S27i Bike which has an impressive 27-inch HD touchscreen. See a quick visual S27i bike Update Features - Story to see highlights and how it also compares with Peloton –most feature comparisons apply to the S22i Studio bike as well.